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Health Benefits of Diabetes Carbohydrates Carbohydrate counting is necessary for a diabetes diet. Carbohydrates are the fuel, which help in the proper functioning of an individual. Foods that provide carbohydrates are an essential part of a diabetic diet. Carbohydrates are simple or complex. Simple sugars are fructose, lactose and sucrose. These increase the blood glucose level in an immediate manner. Complex carbohydrates in the form of dietary fiber play a vital role in the diet of a diabetic. Complex carbohydrates take a longer time to be broken down, such as tortillas, corn, peas, beans, and so on. Majority of carbohydrates in the diet, take between fifteen minutes and one and a half hours to break down to sugar.
The carbohydrate intake is spread throughout the whole day in a uniform manner. Frequent intake of carbohydrates in a proper manner helps in the regulation of blood sugar levels. Sweets are recommended by the American Diabetes Association, in an occasional manner, so as to form a part of your regular carbohydrate intake. Carbohydrates are seen in the various compartments of a food pyramid. Beans, starchy veggies and grains form the base of the pyramid, which are a storehouse of complex carbohydrates. Vegetables are a good source of simple and complex carbohydrates. Carbohydrates in the form of cereals, whole grains and grain breads prove beneficial for diabetes. Fruits and milk are a good source of sugars or simple carbohydrates. They help when taken in a controlled amount and in limited amounts in a diabetes diet.
Diabetes is one of the common disorders that is characterized by high blood glucose levels which can occur due to the deficiency or inefficiency of insulin, a hormone which is involved in the utilization and storage of energy fuels in the body. It can occur in any age group even affecting the small children and adolescents though in lesser prevalence to the middle aged and older individuals. It is a disorder which occurs due to heredity, faulty diet, sedentary lifestyle and obesity. It is very essential to bring a change in dietary habits so that the individual can lead a healthy life.
As it is involved with the blood glucose level, it is very essential to understand the quantity and quality of carbohydrates. The form of carbohydrates as starch present in foods is broken to form glucose. Hence it is necessary to alter the type of carbohydrates in the diet. When the cut down of calories are done for the diabetics then:
Carbohydrates – 60 – 65% of the total calories, Protein- 15 – 20% of the total calories, Fat – 15 – 25% of the total calories.
Diabetics need not restrict the carbohydrate intake. An adequate intake of carbohydrates is recommended. Complex carbohydrates present in grains and pulses are better than the simple carbohydrates present in jams and jellies. This can improve the insulin sensitivity as well as the glucose tolerance. Thus generous supply of carbohydrate with high fiber diet has no adverse effect on blood glucose levels. Soluble fiber which is a form of carbohydrate is capable of inhibiting glucose absorption from the small intestines. Diets containing about 20g/day of fiber is capable of reducing total or bad cholesterol. Daily inclusion of fiber containing cereals, whole grain products, fruits, vegetables and legumes are useful.
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